Verification of Submitted Materials
Overview of Verification
The Caltech Honor Code states: "No member of the Caltech community shall take unfair advantage of any other member of the Caltech community." As future members of the Caltech community, we expect our applicants to also abide by the Honor Code in our process.
Why do we verify?
Because we want to get the full picture; no guesswork, no assumptions. Show us what you did, how you did it, and why it is important to you. This process is all about clarity and context, so our admissions team can give your work the attention it deserves.
We want to understand your story clearly and celebrate the work you've done. Whether it's a research project, a national competition, a summer program, or something else entirely, verification helps us understand how you have explored your high school interests.
This is not about second-guessing you. It is about learning more because we are genuinely interested. Caltech students are curious, driven, and deeply engaged. We want to understand the experiences that have shaped you, not just on paper but in practice.
What do we verify?
While we often verify supplemental experiences, we are not limited to just those components of your application. Our team will verify all parts of your application: essays, letters of recommendation, creative work, etc. If you submit it, we will verify it. Our verification process is all about making sure we are seeing the full picture with the same level of context and care for every applicant.
How Verification Works
Caltech reserves the right to verify any and all components of an application, including but not limited to:
- All information entered in the Common Application
- Transcripts, school reports, and academic records
- Essays, portfolios, and research
- Awards and participation in extracurricular programs, events, or competitions
- Letters of recommendation
- Test scores, including English proficiency exams
When submitting your application, you will be asked whether you plan to submit any supplemental materials, such as a research paper or publication, or a portfolio. Once you submit your application, you begin the verification process. Through the Beaver Breakroom, you will be asked to provide a record or proof for any supplemental materials you included. Whether that is a research project, a STEM competition, a summer program, or some other cool experience, this is how you help us see the real story behind your accomplishments.
Including supplemental materials along with your application is completely optional. But if you decide to share, here are some examples of what we will want to see:
- Letters or emails from teachers, mentors, or supervisors who know your work
- Photos or videos that capture your work or you in action
- Official certificates, awards, or recognitions
- Links to websites, news stories, or competition pages where you're mentioned (links preferred)
- Project summaries, reports, or abstracts that explain your role and what you contributed
Remember, the more you help us connect the dots, the better we can appreciate the unique path you have taken in the field of STEM.
Your Role in the Verification Process
As part of a complete application, Caltech requires applicants to acknowledge that by submitting an application, they affirm that all information provided and materials submitted on their behalf are complete, truthful, and accurate.
Applicants understand that any misrepresentation or fraud may be subject to investigation and may result in consequences.
Verifying STEM-related Activities and Awards
Not sure what to submit as part of verification? Our best advice is to connect with an adult (teacher, advisor, coach, mentor, etc.) connected with the activity to see what you can submit and what is best to show your achievement. Check below for examples of programs, competitions, research, activities, and other accomplishments you may submit for verification, along with examples of documentation that can help verify each one.
How do I verify my...
The categories below outline the types of experiences Caltech may ask you to verify, along with the materials you will need to submit.
Research Opportunities
When you submit a research paper or publication, you'll also provide the information we need to verify your work. This includes a recommendation from your research mentor or supervisor, along with the Research Description Form.
Be sure to visit our Research Paper & Publications page to learn about the submission requirements and what we classify as research.
Science Fairs
If you participated in a state/regional, national, or international science fair, examples of verification include a public link to your project or results, or a certificate of your awards or involvement.
For students who participated in a Society for Science-affiliated fair, we recommend submitting a public link to your project or award. We also encourage you to submit your project as a Research or Portfolio submission.
Academic Competitions and Awards
If you participated in academic competitions (local, regional, state, national, or international), be sure to show it to us. These might include your state's science bowl, regional math leagues, AMC (American Mathematics Competitions), or even school district-level quiz bowls.
- A certificate, official award letter, or a public link confirming your award, placement, or distinction
Upload these materials in the Beaver Breakroom as part of your supplemental materials.
Academic Competitions and Awards
For academic competitions, we encourage you to submit a publicly available link that shares your name and achievement. You may also submit a certificate, official results, or another document that verifies your participation or award.
Example of academic competitions include, but are not limited to:
- STEM-related Olympiads
- Robotics competitions
- AIME scores
STEM-based Programs and Camps
For STEM-based programs and camps, we recommend providing verification of participation directly from the program. This may include a certificate of participation, a letter of recommendation, a program evaluation, an email from a program administrator confirming your participation, or an official list of participants.
Examples of STEM-based programs include, but are not limited to:
- California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS)
- Ross Mathematics Program
- MITES
- Other local, state, national, or international STEM summer programs